April 22, 2026

Baby Boomers remained the largest generational group of home buyers this year, while the share of first-time buyers fell to the lowest level on record, according to the 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report from the National Association of REALTORS®.

The report examines the similarities and differences among recent home buyers and sellers across generations1. Among all home buyers in the past year, the generational breakdown was as follows:

Gen Z: 4% (up from 3% last year)

Millennials: 26% (down from 29% last year)

Gen X: 25% (up from 24% in 2025)

Baby Boomers: 42% (unchanged from last year)

Silent Generation: 4% (unchanged from last year)

First-time buyers made up just 21% of all home buyers, down from 24% in the previous survey and the lowest share since NAR began collecting the data in 1981. Among buyers in each generation, the share who were first-time purchasers was:

Younger Millennials: 60% (down from 71% last year)

Older Millennials: 33% (down from 36% last year)

Gen X: 21% (up from 20% last year)

Younger Boomers: 8% (down from 9% last year)

Older Boomers: 4% (unchanged from last year)

Silent Generation: 3% (down from 5% last year)

“The housing market remains sharply divided between homeowners with equity and first-time buyers trying to break in—many of whom are younger Millennials,” said NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz. “For many younger households, affordability challenges and limited inventory are still making homeownership difficult to achieve.”

NAR’s 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report (full report available for download, free for members) breaks down who’s buying and selling and the trends driving moves.

Tri-County Suburban REALTORS® members are invited to take advantage of a unique learning opportunity this May with a free Bright MLS Essentials Seminar, featuring Bright MLS trainer Jim Oliverie live and in-person on May 21, 2026.

Bright MLS offers more than 16 powerful tools and services—including Bright Search, Public Records, ShowingTime, offer management tools, client portals, and more. For REALTORS® who are new to the MLS or looking to better understand its capabilities, this seminar provides the perfect introduction to the system that supports their daily business.

What makes this session especially valuable is the opportunity to learn directly from Oliverie in a live setting. While many Bright trainings are delivered through virtual demonstrations, this in-person seminar gives attendees the chance to ask questions, receive hands-on guidance, and gain insights that can help them navigate the platform more efficiently.

Participants will receive an overview of key features within Bright MLS, along with helpful tips and shortcuts designed to streamline workflows and improve productivity. Whether you're just getting started or want to ensure you’re getting the most out of the system, this seminar will provide practical takeaways you can immediately apply to your business.

Registration is required to attend this free event. Please note that there are only 72 seats available. Members are encouraged to reserve their spot and take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn directly from a Bright MLS expert.

Tri-County Suburban REALTORS® is now accepting applications for the 2026 Leadership Development Program (LDP), an initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of real estate leaders. This immersive experience provides REALTOR® members with the tools, training, and confidence to take on influential roles within the industry and their community.

Throughout June and July, participants will engage in specialized in-person workshops at the Association office in Malvern, led by industry experts. The curriculum covers essential leadership skills, including strategies for overcoming workplace challenges, the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, the impact of diversity and inclusion, mastering negotiation techniques in today’s evolving market, and developing dynamic public speaking skills. Exact dates for each session in the curriculum can be found on the application.

Upon completing all five sessions, participants will present to Association leadership and past LDP graduates, showcasing their growth and insights.

Graduates will be honored at the Annual Membership Meeting, held in October, where they will receive awards and a certificate to the Association of REALTORS® School to further support their professional development & education.

Applications are open through April 30, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the deadline. Click here to learn more and apply.

Throughout April, we will highlight insights from recent graduates like Curt Easton, an Affiliate Member and graduate of the 2025 LDP class.

Our YouTube series, Leadership Development Program features both instructors and alumni as they share their perspectives, experiences, and key takeaways from the program.

All members are encouraged to apply. 

If you haven’t started your continuing education yet, there’s still time—and there is an easy way to get everything you need in one purchase.

The MCE Season Pass is still available and offers unlimited access to all qualifying continuing education classes from the date of purchase through May 31, 2026. For just $125, members can attend as many classes as needed to complete their requirements before the deadline.

Whether you prefer to spread your classes out or complete your credits more quickly, the Season Pass provides the flexibility to learn on your schedule while ensuring you meet Pennsylvania’s continuing education requirements.

For students who prefer self-paced online options to complete PA continuing education, the School has also partnered with an online course provider, LEAP Online. Students can browse these courses here. To help seasoned REALTORS® get to the finish line this renewal cycle, the Association of REALTORS® School is offering 25% off select course packages through May 31, 2026 for those who choose to complete their continuing education through LEAP Online using the provided discount code below.

Licensees may only renew after their broker has done so.

For a full calendar of Accredited courses, click here.

For all things continuing education, including requirements, first-time renewal information, and more, click here.

Completed your license renewal education?  Don't forget to apply to renew your license through the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission by May 31, 2026. 

Licenses issued between March 1st, 2026 - May 31st, 2026 automatically come with a 2028 expiration date, meaning the license is valid through the next renewal cycle. This is referred to as a "Waiver Period."

Licensees who receive their real estate license during the “Waiver Period” are not required to complete continuing education, and do not need to pay for or submit a license renewal application during this cycle.

We encourage all members to log into their Pennsylvania Licensing System account to confirm the expiration date on their license(s).

An estimated 48% of prospective homebuyers will use artificial intelligence at some point during their homebuying journey, according to a survey by NerdWallet. 

While AI may aid homebuyers in some parts of the process, others are best left to an experienced REALTOR®. PAR asked REALTORS® how buyers can strike a balance between using AI and working with a professional.  

To read the full article, visit PAR's JustListed Blog.

Springfield Township commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 1658, which establishes a 1% earned income tax beginning on July 1. The measure amends the township code to define the tax, outline requirements for declaration and payment, mandate employer withholding, and set forth the responsibilities of the tax collector, as well as procedures for enforcement, including penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. “An earned income tax would give us the diversity we need and some relief that property owners deserve. That’s because a portion of the revenue of an EIT would come from the nonresidents who work in Springfield and use our services,” said Commissioners President Jeff Rudolph. He noted that the commissioners’ intent is to commit “to a property tax decrease of nearly 20% for the 2027 year.”
Source: Daily Times; 4/1/2026

April 23rd | 9:00am - 12:00pm
The Art of Real Estate Documentation: Mastering Standard Forms
Association of REALTORS® School, Malvern

April 25th | 9:00am - 12:00pm
List & Lease Rental Properties in Pennsylvania
Virtual Via Zoom

April 27th | 9:00am - 12:00pm
PA Req Agency Relationship Education 2024-2026
Virtual Via Zoom

April 27th | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
PA Req Fair Housing Education 2024-2026
Virtual Via Zoom

April 28th | 9:00am - 12:00pm
Navigating the Complexities of Investor Clients: A Guide for Licensed PA Real Estate Agents
Haverford Community Recreation & Environmental Center, Haverford, PA

Contact Us
610-560-4800
info@tcsr.realtor

Office
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Suite 201
Malvern, PA 19355